2023 Population Census Jobs

The population census is a comprehensive survey that provides useful insights into the demographics and characteristics of a particular country. It is conducted every decade and is important for the government to make effective decisions about the allocation of resources, funding, and representation. The next census, the 2023 population census is scheduled to take place in May 2023, and with it comes a plethora of job opportunities. 

Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, has a population of over 200 million people and the importance of accurate population data in developing the nation cannot be overemphasized. Conducting a headcount, which last happened in 2006, is a significant task that necessitates a considerable amount of resources and personnel. Therefore, It is estimated that a sum of 869 billion naira will be needed for the exercise this year and it will be the country's first digital census. 

What problem is the government looking to solve with the digital approach?

In the past, the population census in Nigeria has been conducted manually, which has led to a number of issues such as data manipulation, under-reporting, and mismanagement of resources. The digital approach is aimed at addressing these shortcomings and ensuring that accurate and reliable data is collected and used for planning and development purposes. 

Does the digital approach affect the availability of the 2023 census jobs?

Not exactly! In a digital census, the use of technology such as mobile devices and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of data collection. However, this may also mean that the number of enumerators required for the census exercise may be reduced. While the use of technology may reduce the need for some jobs, it also opens up opportunities for other jobs that require specialized skills in data analysis, database management, and GIS.

Ad-hoc staff jobs available for the National Population Census

The Nigerian population census provides an opportunity for employment and income generation for many Nigerians. The different jobs available during the exercise include the following:

Facilitators

During a population census, facilitators are responsible for reaching out to different communities and households, encouraging them to participate in the census. They may organize information sessions, distribute materials, and provide guidance to anyone that needs help such as those who do not speak the language or have limited literacy skills. While facilitating the process, they can also help to recognize voids or errors in the data and work with census officials to rectify any issue. 

Facilitators must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they need to be able to engage several individuals and communities. They should also have a deep understanding of the census process and be able to provide answers to questions and concerns.

Field co-ordinators

The duties of a field coordinator involve recruiting, training, and supervising census takers, providing guidance and support to ensure accurate and complete data collection, and resolving any issues or concerns that may arise during the census operation. Usually, to qualify as a field coordinator, such a person must be able to coordinate the activities of about 5 supervisors and more than 40 enumerators. The responsibility extends beyond managing their team. They also have the task of submitting reports to higher authorities and ensuring that all activities related to the census are carried out by established policies and procedures.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (M&E officers)

One of the key roles of M&E officers during the Nigerian population census is to ensure that the census enumeration process is conducted in a transparent, accountable, and fair manner. They are responsible for developing and implementing plans that ensure that census data is collected and processed accurately and that the census enumeration is conducted without any form of bias. 

Data Quality Managers

Data quality managers can be data analysts or individuals who have a broad knowledge of data management. They develop and implement procedures to ensure that all data collected during the census is accurate, complete, and consistent. This task involves designing data collection instruments, training census staff, and developing quality control checks to detect and correct discrepancies in the data. Furthermore, they review completed questionnaires, conduct spot checks of completed forms, and compare data collected in different regions. After every collation is done, they ensure that all data collected during the census is stored securely and is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Enumerators

While the work of an enumerator may be similar to that of a data quality manager, they may not be able to analyze the data. However, they can collect data from households, businesses, and other entities during the exercise. Also, they must check the census forms for errors or omissions, and make sure that all questions are answered correctly. After the data collection is completed, enumerators submit their census forms to their supervisors and provide feedback on the data collection process and make suggestions for improvements. 

Supervisors 

The goal of the census is to provide information that can be used for several purposes which include planning for public services, allocating resources, and developing policies. Therefore, supervisors oversee the census takers who go door-to-door to collect information from households. They make sure that the census takers are properly trained, have the necessary materials and equipment, and that they follow the correct procedures for collecting data. While the exercise is on, supervisors help to resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the data collection process, such as difficulties in locating certain households or dealing with uncooperative respondents.

Special workforce

The special workers include individuals who are fluent in specific languages, knowledgeable about certain cultures, or have a good understanding of the local area. They can have specialized training, such as nurses or social workers, who can provide additional information about the health or social needs of the population. 

While the recruitment for Adhoc staff is no longer ongoing, it's good to know that the National Population Commission (NPC) has started screening all the applications they received. To stay updated on the latest information regarding NPC recruitment for the 2023 population census, stay tuned to our blog. 

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